Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Support Group
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Hello All!
I am going to what I consider my best resource for answers to my question: all of you!
I am wondering how MS may be affected if one gets a cold? Yesterday I noticed that my head was getting stuffed up and my nose has been running. Of course, I have the fatigue and achiness with it as well as that overall 'yucky' feeling. Nevertheless, I still took my injection of Avonex. Strangely enough, I hardly suffered ANY side effects from the Avonex this time. It is almost as though my body is concentrating more on the cold than on any side effects of the drug.
I don't know what meds. I can take being on Avonex. I don't know if I should expect stronger and perhaps more symptoms of MS? This morning, part of my stomach area started feeling numb and I had forgotten all about that symptom since I have not experienced it for awhile.
My fingers are really tingling today and my fatigue is huge (normal with a cold though). Is there anything I should do regarding the cold to prevent the MS from being affected?
I look forward to hearing from you!
Eloise
I am going to what I consider my best resource for answers to my question: all of you!
I am wondering how MS may be affected if one gets a cold? Yesterday I noticed that my head was getting stuffed up and my nose has been running. Of course, I have the fatigue and achiness with it as well as that overall 'yucky' feeling. Nevertheless, I still took my injection of Avonex. Strangely enough, I hardly suffered ANY side effects from the Avonex this time. It is almost as though my body is concentrating more on the cold than on any side effects of the drug.
I don't know what meds. I can take being on Avonex. I don't know if I should expect stronger and perhaps more symptoms of MS? This morning, part of my stomach area started feeling numb and I had forgotten all about that symptom since I have not experienced it for awhile.
My fingers are really tingling today and my fatigue is huge (normal with a cold though). Is there anything I should do regarding the cold to prevent the MS from being affected?
I look forward to hearing from you!
Eloise
I'm sending you some virtual chicken soup, and a wish that you feel better soon!
Unfortunately, colds, the flu -- any illness, really -- can make your MS symptoms temporarily worse. It's not that you're having a new attack, but old areas of inflammation may be irritated as your body goes into high gear to fight the infection. If you're running a fever, no matter how slight, that will also increase your symptoms.
Before MS, you may have taken your body's immune response for granted -- I know I did. But MS increases your body's workload even on "great" days, so when you're under the weather, you really "feel" how much your body is working to quell an infection -- and deal with the damage MS has caused at the same time.
Most cold meds don't interact with MS meds, but to be sure, check with your pharmacist or doctor.
Hang in there,
-Karen
Your comments make sense, as usual! Thanks : )
Hope everyone on this site is feeling good! I like the idea of virtual chicken soup!
Chris